K-3 firmware and 1.4TC

[Kym]

K-3 Firmwware 1.02
http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/engli...ital/k3_s.html

Changes to V1.02

• Added Bracket shooting in [Anti-Aliasing Filter Simulator].*How to operate Bracket shooting click here.
• Improved stability for general performance. *Contents of [Version 1.01] will be also updated and following contents will be improved.
• Improved stability of battery level indicator when using with battery grip.
• Optimized performance of continuous shooting when setting AF.C mode.

Changes to V1.01

• Shorten processing time of combining time for HDR Capture.
• Improved performance of continuous shooting when using phase-matching autofocus.
• Extended enlarged display time for live view.
• Improved stability for general performance.

Firmware update instructions

Provide a formatted SD memory card for the update software.
The download file is self-extracting. The following file is extracted.
•Fwdc220b.bin: This is the updated firmware.
Copy the above Firmware file [fwdc220b.bin] to the root directory in the SD card.
If your computer does not have a card slot, you can copy the firmware update file by inserting the SD card into your camera and then connecting the camera directly to your computer.
Insert the D-LI90 battery into the camera and confirm the battery is full by battery level indicator then turn the camera off.
Insert the update SD card (prepared in step 1) into the camera (slot 1) and close card cover.
Turn the camera power on while pressing the MENU button.
"Updates the camera firmware" appears in the LCD monitor.
Ver: 1.00/1.01 →1.02　will be displayed.
Press the four-way controller to select "Start" and press the "OK" button.
"NOW LOADING" appears on the LCD monitor and updating starts.
Please do not under any circumstances switch off the power before the update is completed.
When update is completed, the "COMPLETE" will be displayed at the left bottom of the LCD monitor, then turn the camera off.
Remove the update SD card from the camera.
*Confirm the version of firmware with above [How to check version].

1.4TC announced
http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pen...econveter.html

Pentax has just officially announced the new HD Pentax-DA AF Rear Converter 1.4x AW, a 1.4x teleconverter that increases the effective focal length of a lens while maintaining autofocus and autoexposure capabilities. This is the first new Pentax teleconverter since the film era.

This modern teleconverter has been treated with the Pentax HD coating, a high-quality multi-layer coating with lower reflectance than the previous Super Multi Coating. The converter is also fully weather-sealed, which means that it can preserve the weather-sealing of your camera system when paired with a weather-sealed body and lens.

Read more at: http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pen...#ixzz2sUahpdt5

[Kym]

Yvon on the 1.4 http://pentaxdslrs.blogspot.com.au/2...entaxians.html

[Kym]

KEY FEATURES


Weather Resistant


· The HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter features weather-resistant construction to prevent the intrusion of water and moisture into the lens barrel when paired with weather sealed PENTAX DSLR bodies and lenses. The user is assured of greater durability and reliability when shooting in rain or mist, as well as at locations subject to a spray or splash.


PENTAX HD Lens Coating


· Treated with HD coating, a PENTAX-exclusive multi-layer lens coating, enjoy higher light transmittance and lower reflectance than conventional multi-layer coatings. This means it produces sharp, clear images free of flare and ghost images, even under such adverse lighting conditions as backlight.


1.4X Magnification in a Compact Form Factor


· The HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter offers a 40% increase in focal length when mounted between the body and lens, yet has an extremely small form factor. Measuring only 20 millimeters (approximately 0.8 inches) long, its compact, lightweight design allows the user to more easily reach out to distant subjects. The minimum focusing distance of the lens is retained, allowing for the capture of larger, more detailed images in close-up situations.
o *When this rear converter is mounted, the lens maximum aperture will be smaller by 1 stop.


Auto Focus and Aperture Compatibility


· Auto Focus and Auto Aperture functionality is retained when using the HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter. The rear converter works flawlessly with both the camera-driven AF system and the lens-driven AF system (such as the SDM- and DC- series lenses).**
o **The camera’s firmware must be updated to the latest version before using the autofocus function. Compatible camera bodies are: K-3, K-50, K-500, K-30, K-5 II, K-5 II s, K-5, K-01, K-7, and K-r. Autofocus is possible with a PENTAX lens having maximum aperture of f/4 or brighter.


Pricing and Availability
The HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter will be available at retailers nationwide and online in March 2014 for a price of $599.95.